Order Perciformes ( Perciformes )
Suborder Anabantoidei ( Anabantoidei )
Family Osphronemidae ( Osphronemidae )
Subfamily ( Macropodusinae )
Genus Parosphromenus — Parosphromenus.
— Parosphromenus quindecim — Parosphromenus quindecim [Kottelat & Ng, 2005]. Indonesia, Borneo. 3-4 cm. Differs by the absence of black spots in the middle of the lateral stripe, the presence of a black stripe in the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins of the male, and the absence of hyaline spots in these fins. The caudal fin is large and rounded. In both sexes, in a calm mood, sometimes blackish stripes on a brown body and dull colored fins. During aggression and courtship, the unpaired fins are white on the outside with an iridescent edge, followed by a dark brown to black inner zone, and a pearly white spotted band near the body. On the caudal fin, the white pattern resembles wide flower petals, with an irregular black spot in the center. Pelvic fins are dark blue with bright filaments. In adult males, the dorsal fin is pointed and long, in females short. Females are beige with two staggered rows of spots, fins with a black border. Dominant females can also display bright colors.
Best kept in small, low aquariums with weak filtration, in pairs. Small and peaceful fish can be added to a community tank. Aquarium with dense vegetation at the edges and shelters made of driftwood and rocks. During spawning, males occupy a small territory near the substrate. Cover the bottom with beech or oak leaves. Water should be soft and acidic, with regular water changes. Feeding with live food is essential because the fish has difficulty adapting to motionless food. Temperature up to 25°C; pH 4.5-6.5.
— Parosphromenus nagyi — Parosphromenus nagyi [Schaller, 1985]. Western Malaysia. 3 cm. Small, luxuriously colored, somewhat shy gourami. In a calm mood, the body is dark brown with longitudinal stripes, males have iridescent turquoise stripes on the edges that contrast with the base black color. In females, the body is beige, fins without patterns. There are two geographic forms: — P. nagyi “Kuantan” with a white stripe on the caudal fin and a distinct spot at the rear of the dorsal fin; — P. nagyi “Cherating” with regular turquoise stripes in all unpaired fins. Fins are somewhat larger.
Keeping is not very easy. The aquarium should not be too small. Rich vegetation; dim lighting due to floating plants. Small cave-like shelters made of driftwood, flower pots. Beech or oak leaves on the bottom. Frequent water changes in small portions. Feeding with live food is essential because the fish has difficulty adapting to motionless food. Regular removal of food leftovers. During spawning, males occupy small territories near the bottom. Lifespan is 4 years. Temperature up to 25°C. pH 4.5-6.0.
— Parosphromenus paludicola — Parosphromenus paludicola [Tweedie, 1952]. (Eng. Swamp licorice gourami) Malaysia — swampy habitats. 4 cm. Most have an elongated and thin body, some look quite full with high backs. Differs from other species by a very long dorsal fin and an almost complete absence of fluorescent colors in the unpaired fins.
In males, coloration and body shape are very variable, displaying pastel colors to varying degrees. Mostly brown-beige, others bluish-pink, some are brownish-red or almost red. The caudal fin in some males is very elongated, oval or triangular in shape, while in others it is more rounded. Males have longer pelvic fins.
A peaceful species, gets along well with small, peaceful species, including other species of its genus. However, it is best kept in a species tank. Somewhat shy, likes to hide in caves. It is best kept in pairs or small groups of 6-8 individuals in a species aquarium. Stays in the middle and lower water layers. Important: aquarium with rich vegetation, small caves made of rocks and driftwood.
Prefers soft and acidic water; in addition, humic acids are beneficial, but it is less demanding of these parameters than other species. They build a bubble nest. Longitudinal stripes in both sexes almost completely disappear during courtship. Suitable for beginners in aquarium keeping. pH 4.5-6.5.
— Parosphromenus tweediei — Parosphromenus tweediei [Kottelat & Ng, 2005]. Western Malaysia. 3-4 cm. Differ from their relatives by the unique coloration of the male’s unpaired fins, especially a wide red stripe between two wide black stripes and the absence of blue color. Pelvic fins are elongated, iridescent turquoise with black filaments. During aggression and spawning, males have bright, contrasting red and black unpaired fins with a white iridescent border.
Sometimes there is iridescent turquoise in the fins. Throat and belly are dark. In adult males, the dorsal fin is pointed and long, in females short. Sometimes a dominant female, in an excited mood, has almost as intense fin coloration as the males. Under normal conditions, the body is brown with dark stripes and faded colored fins.
Best kept in small, low aquariums with weak filtration, in pairs. Small and peaceful fish can be added to a community tank. Aquarium with dense vegetation at the edges and shelters made of driftwood and rocks. During spawning, males occupy a small territory near the substrate. Cover the bottom with beech or oak leaves. Water should be soft and acidic, with regular water changes. Feeding with live food is essential because the fish has difficulty adapting to motionless food. Temperature up to 25°C; pH 4.5-6.5.
Pseudosphromenus cupanus, Pseudosphromenus dayi.
Macropodus spechti, Macropodus ocellatus. 
